French president supports close ally to lead his party
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}France's government spokesman Christophe Castaner says he is a candidate to lead President Emmanuel Macron's recently created party.
Castaner said Wednesday on RTL radio that Macron supports his candidacy — which makes him the favorite for the job — because he is "a voice" the party needs.
Macron launched his centrist, pro-business political movement in April 2016 to support his campaign. It was changed into the more formal Republic on the Move party this year.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Its general delegate is to be elected by a council of party members next month.
Castaner is a former Socialist lawmaker who was one of the first major politicians to join Macron, then a newcomer in politics.